Muke

(Photo by: Andrew Young)

Muke (composed of Maddie and Luke) is a duo from Oregon. I think there is something in the water out on the west coast, because it produces some of the best. From the first moment you hear their endearing music, you won't want to stop listening. 'Hamburger Waltz' is a song only they could pull off A song about hamburgers and patriotism with flute background and clever lyrics, it's a must hear. "Everyone loves our hamburgers and so will you. Better buy three or four, 'cause you can't have just two." Much like their hamburgers you'll have to listen to them far more times then twice. You get to see their diversity throughout their newest album 'Shutterspeed Lullabies'. 'Barnacle Bay' features several instruments, from guitar, sax, and flute. It's a light, feel good, and positively catchy tune with chorus filled with "do's". You can't help but try and match pitch when it enters your ear. If you're having a bad day give a listen to 'Dreamsicle', it's a sure fire way to cheer you up.

It's hard to find the right words to describe Muke, their sound is adorable without losing substance. Muke does an amazing job of balance, they are endearing without being just another cute, shallow band. 'Handglider' is just one of the songs on this album you can just sit back and relax while listening to. All the songs on their album are well worth the listen.

Muke (myspace)
'Hamburger Waltz' - Muke
'Barnacle Bay' - Muke
'Clockwork' - Muke

Datarock Interview

Drop Magazine was lucky enough to get an interview with Datarock. The Norwegian duo's character does not fall short of their music. While waiting for the interview I was able to sit in on their sound check, getting ready for their performance that night at the Bowery Ballroom. The large space was empty so there were no bodies to absorb any of the sound before it reached me. The sound of the bass drum made me feel as if my heart was going to beat of my chest at any moment. One would think that music that makes your heart feel as if it has just run a marathon can't be healthy, but there's nothing better than the endorphin rush it gives you. Hearing songs that have come across my iPod so many times, being played live before me was amazing, I had to try and refrain from making a fool of myself by singing along.

When I entered the Bowery Ballroom and the band fund out I can all the way from Vermont to interview them, they adorably played some "smooth jazz" to welcome me. I was able to see just how much goes into their music, even after two days with little to no sleep. There is so much more to it than you could ever gather from just listening to their tracks. They're all very well versed in all areas of music, everything from "smooth jazz" to the "information rock" that is Datarock today, at one point lead singer Fredrick even jumped on drums for a moment.

Fredrick and Kjetil composed all of their music, and arrange the various parts. The musicianship of these two and and their band was incredible.

Our interview was conducted on the streets of New York outside the Bowery Ballroom. Many of Drop Magazine's interviews seem to be conducted out on the streets, now that I think about it. Surprisingly this interview had far less background noise and interruptions then the ones on the streets of Brattleboro, Vermont. During the interview I heard many interesting stories, much like a Ray Bradbury book this interview seemed to weave in and out of reality, everything from how they met to the long lasting Norway, Sweden tension. We found out that 'Computer Camp Love' isn't a work of fiction, and that the best time for music was 1976 - '83. These two MENSA members tell tales you've never heard the likes of before. Amusing and well spoken, listening to this interview you will learn a lot and by the end you'll want to hear more.

Datarock Interview
Datarock (myspace)

Ark People

Ark People are an artful and skilled bunch. The arrangement of all of their songs is something to marvel at. While listening one doesn't easily stray to other things going on around them. The compelling instrumentals are the first thing that draws you in. 'Song D' starts off upbeat and then when the vocals come in, an up down tempo comes along. The up down becomes a signature of the song throughout the tune. All of their songs have this drawing in quality. They catch you from the first moment you start listening and keep you. Vocals accompanied with the instrumentals are a great match.

Tempo and musicality are a great strength of this band. They seem to always have the perfect mix of instrumental tempo along with lyrics. Everything complements everything else so perfectly. You can tell they are well versed in many different instruments and have been making music for a long time. Their music above all else is unique, after listening you'll remember it. You will be able to name them as the artist every time their songs comes across your path. You will be able to recognize from the first few bars if a new song you're hearing was done by them. After listening one feels satisfied, because in the end it is so much more then just notes and cords, they put a lot of themselves into the music, which makes you put a lot of yourself in while listening. Ark People are classic, and hopefully will be around for a long long time. I personally can't wait to hear what they come up with next.

Ark People (myspace)

Monster Eiffel Tower

For a change of pace, we now turn to Monster Eiffel Tower. Although they have a powerful sound, it doesn't leave you feeling defeated. Their sound at times is heavy, but doesn't drag and stays upbeat. 'Dock War' is a great example. The first minute and a half or so build up with that heavy feeling, then the song glides into the upbeat vocals. They don't completely abandon the original concept of the track, but rather take bits and pieces and build off of it. Balance is always a big part of whatever music you are making, but especially in their genre. They do a great job of keeping every thing in line. The louder parts without making you have to turn the volume down. The different parts each have their job, and do not cloud the overall sound. Unlike many who often find something they like and just run with it all day long, each part has it's moment and then without a exhausting the tune, backs down. Their tracks are some that you can absolutely feel yourself dancing to. Energy come out of every guitar riff, and solo.

'Monolith' brings a smile to my face. The lyrics and harmonizing are well constructed, like most things Monster Eiffel Tower does. Each song had distinct riffs and hooks, and they don't fall into the generic genre many similar songs do. 'Skyscraper Halo's lyrics combined with Andrew Kennedy's voice is a winning combination. His voice also has an endearing ring to it. Something you can't quite put your finger on. They do a great job of having their instrumentals compliment their lyrics. A story is created with a style that makes you lean in and listen, and nothing is better then a story that interests you.

I can only wonder what they listened to growing up. The best thing for me is when you can tell a band is doing what they do because simply, they enjoy it. It's not some inflated, ill fated ego trip, or the "thing to do" at tat moment, it's what they love. And no matter what the genre is, even if it's not one you usually listen to, you can't help but enjoy it. Their spirit radiates through their music.

Monster Eiffel Tower (myspace)

Datarock

This upcoming 21st we here at Drop Magazine were lucky enough to score some tickets to see Datarock. Sure to be an amazing show, at the Bowery Ballroom in New York. If you are in the area make sure to check it out. If you miss out on the fun no worries, we'll be posting a very detailed review of the show. It'll be like you were standing there listening to 'Computer Camp Love' with us.

Datarock (myspace)

Flashguns

Flashguns area a catchy band, the type you would go see again and again at your local spot. After listening to their songs a few times through, you'll be singing along every time you hear the chorus's chime. 'Good Witch, Bad Witch' (a song that's title sums it up pretty well) starts off strong with a catchy guitar line, greeted by synth. The different parts have a symbiotic relationship feeding off of each other and never letting the others down. Flashguns area a band that performs well above the standard set for most bands of their youth. Age in music is either used as an excuse for poor playing or a testament to just how capable young musicians are. If more young bands took time to really get to know their instruments and sounded as good as Flashguns, I would say the future of music would be something to look forward to.

Song content doesn't fall short of instrumentation. It's always refreshing to listen to a song produced by fairly young people and not have to wonder if they are talking about a person or a pet. 'Locamo', a tune filled with "o's" is so addictive that every time if comes across your iTunes library, you will find yourself singing along, even if you don't realize it at first. 'House of Flowers' is a lighter tune then the others, a nice easy build up to the lyrics, where once you are in the meat of the song you will find it quite enjoyable, and somewhat relaxing.

Instrument wise, Flashguns does a tight job. All parts are well represented, and have their moments. The base lines(Olly Scanlon) are simple, and keep the tracks moving along and alive. The guitar parts(Sam Felix Johnson) are prominent, without being loud of bossy. He doesn't fall into the trap many guitar players his age do, which is in their minds loud and fast equals good, which we all know too well, isn't usually the case. Their playing doesn't fall flat and blend together in a pile of loud whatnots. The Drumming i upbeat and doesn't drag. Giles Robinson obviously has been playing long enough that he is able to add complex bits here and there, without overplaying and mucking things up. And last but not lease, keys(James Wright), the icing on the cake. The overlaying synth lines add that something that makes it, it. The pinch of salt in the recipe. All in all Flashguns are well worth the listen.

Flashguns (myspace)